10 signs of an arrogant person (and 10 easy ways to deal with them)

Arrogance is like the unwanted smell of a burrito that lingers long after lunch—it’s often hard to bear, but just as challenging to avoid. 

Yet, it’s all around us, whether in the office, at social events, or even in our homes. 

So, how can you spot an arrogant person, and more importantly, how do you deal with them without losing your sanity? 

Here are 10 telltale signs to watch out for, coupled with some effective and slightly amusing ways to cope. Buckle up!

1) They believe they’re always right and everyone else is wrong

It’s quite a spectacle, isn’t it? 

Watching someone who seems to have swallowed an unabridged encyclopedia and can’t help regurgitating facts like a human Wikipedia, only with a massive superiority complex. 

They are always right, or so they would have you believe. 

Even when they’re wrong, they’ll twist facts and arguments until they’re right again. It’s a frustrating merry-go-round that leaves your head spinning.

How to deal with this

So, how do you keep your cool and refrain from throwing your coffee mug at them? 

Well, a powerful yet non-confrontational approach is to use the Socratic method. 

This ancient technique of asking probing questions can help the person see the error in their ways (or at least get them so tangled up in their own logic they stop arguing).

Example: 

“So, if I understand correctly, you’re saying that a tomato is a vegetable because it’s used in salads, correct? But wouldn’t that make a cucumber a fruit because we use it in smoothies?”

 Watch them grapple with that logic bomb.

2) They think they’re the center of the universe

Like a self-declared sun in the solar system of life, the arrogant person believes everything and everyone should revolve around them. 

It’s like they’re playing a never-ending game of ‘spotlight’ and hate it when they’re not at the center of attention.

How to deal with this

Patience is your new best friend. Try to avoid feeding their ego by constantly redirecting the conversation back to the group. 

And when they try to steal the spotlight, use your humor to gently deflate their ego: “Wow, Bill, you’ve climbed Everest, swam with sharks, and invented a new kind of toaster. 

All before breakfast! Now, let’s hear from someone else about their weekend.” 

It’s about balancing their need for attention with the group’s need for collective engagement. 

You’ll be seen as a hero, and they might get the hint to tone it down a notch.

3) They rarely admit they’re wrong

Arrogant people often see admitting a mistake as showing weakness. 

Their pride is the co-pilot, always ready to navigate around the land of “I’m sorry” and fly straight to the heights of self-righteousness. 

It’s like they’ve never seen a Hollywood movie—we all know, the endearing characters are the ones who can admit when they’re wrong!

How to deal with this

Employ empathy and a little bit of reverse psychology. 

For instance, when they make a blunder, instead of pointing it out bluntly, say something like, “I can see why you thought that, it’s a common misconception, but actually…” 

Show them that it’s okay to be wrong sometimes and that everyone makes mistakes. It’s a gentle approach that can sometimes pierce even the toughest ego armor.

4) They downplay other people’s achievements

No accomplishment is too big or too small for an arrogant person to belittle. 

Did you just run a marathon? They’ll remind you that people run ultramarathons. 

Have you just finished a masterpiece painting? They’ll casually mention their third cousin twice removed who’s an art prodigy. 

It’s as if they have a secret mission to deflate everyone’s joy balloons.

How to deal with this

This is where assertiveness comes in. 

When they downplay your achievements, firmly yet politely stand your ground: 

“I understand that ultramarathons are challenging, but I’m really proud of my marathon and it’s a big achievement for me.” 

Then, quickly change the topic. It’s a little bit like dealing with a playground bully—standing up for yourself often takes the wind out of their sails.

5) They often interrupt or talk over people

In the land of Arrogance, other people’s voices are background noise. 

It’s not uncommon for them to interrupt or talk over someone, as they believe their thoughts and ideas are more important than others. 

Imagine a game show host who constantly interrupts the contestants with their own answers. It’s exasperating, right?

How to deal with this

The best way to handle this is through direct, respectful communication. 

Wait for them to take a breath (it’ll happen eventually), then say, “I see you have a point to make, but could you please let me finish first?” 

Most people, even the arrogant ones, respond well to politeness and directness. 

Plus, you’ll gain the respect of others around you who were probably hoping someone would put a halt to the interruption festival.

6) They feel superior to others

It’s almost like the arrogant person lives in a constant state of ‘King of the Hill’. 

They often exude an air of superiority, thinking they’re above others due to their achievements, status, wealth, or even their gym routine. 

It’s as if they believe they’re a special edition, while everyone else is a standard issue.

How to deal with this

Remember, the key is not to take it personally. It’s their problem, not yours. 

Keep your dignity and don’t play into their superiority game. A bit of wit could also work wonders here. 

For example, when they start bragging about their new high-powered job, say something like, “That sounds fantastic! I’m still trying to perfect my recipe for mac ‘n’ cheese. Any tips?” 

The unexpected response might just short-circuit their brag-fest and bring them back to Earth.

7) They always want to be in control

Arrogant people often have an obsessive need for control. They want to dictate every conversation, every meeting, and every social gathering. 

If life was a movie, they’d want to be the director, producer, and lead actor—all at once!

How to deal with this

This situation calls for tactical diplomacy. Involve them in decision-making processes but avoid giving them absolute control. 

For example, if you’re planning a team outing, you could say, “We’re thinking of either going bowling or to a movie. Which one do you think would be more fun?” 

This way, they feel valued and heard, but the decision isn’t entirely in their hands. 

Navigating their need for control without compromising the group’s interests can be a fine art.

8) They rarely show genuine interest in others

It’s a classic sign—the arrogant person is often disinterested in other people’s lives unless they can gain something from it. 

Conversations with them can feel more like a monologue about their fabulousness than a dialogue. 

You may often find yourself thinking, “Do they even know my name, or am I just ‘the person who listens’ to them?

How to deal with this

One method is to pleasantly surprise them with your interesting life. Share a unique experience or a quirky hobby, something that might actually pique their interest. 

When you flip the script and show them that you’re not just a sounding board for their ego, they might start seeing you (and others) in a new light.

9) They lack empathy

When an arrogant person is on a roll, it’s like they’re driving a monster truck over the feelings of others, without any regard for the carnage they leave in their wake. 

They often struggle to empathize with other people’s feelings or perspectives because they’re too busy centering themselves.

How to deal with this

Although it’s difficult, try to show them empathy—it’s what they’re lacking, after all. 

Let’s say they brush off your bad day with a tale of their own much worse day. 

Respond with something like, “That does sound tough. It seems like we’re both having a rough time.” 

By modeling empathy, you might just teach them a thing or two about emotional intelligence.

10) They constantly compare themselves to others

Arrogant individuals often measure their self-worth by how they stack up against others. 

They constantly compare themselves to everyone around them—and not surprisingly, they always come out on top in their own minds. 

It’s like they’re in a never-ending competition that no one else signed up for.

How to deal with this

Try to steer clear of comparison conversations. Instead, highlight the value of individual strengths and diversity. 

“Sure, John may be great at presentations, but your report writing skills are top-notch.” 

It subtly sends the message that everyone has unique strengths and there’s no need for constant one-upmanship. 

After all, life isn’t a race, and we’re not here for a competition. We’re here to build each other up, not tear each other down.

Why people become arrogant

Now, here’s the real humdinger. Why on earth do people become arrogant? 

Well, contrary to what you might expect, it’s not because they were bitten by a radioactive ego-boosting spider. 

While it’s easy to label these folks as ‘bad apples’, the roots of arrogance often go deeper and are more complex.

Many psychologists believe that arrogance is a defense mechanism, a sort of emotional armor people don to shield themselves from feelings of insecurity or inadequacy. 

Imagine wearing a suit of armor with “I’m the Best” painted all over it. It’s a way of compensating for self-doubt or feelings of vulnerability. 

It’s not an excuse for the behavior, but understanding the cause can help us approach such individuals with a bit more empathy and a tad less frustration.

Remember, nobody is perfect—not even the ones who think they are! 

So, the next time you encounter Mr. or Ms. Know-it-all, take a deep breath, employ these tactics, and remind yourself: 

Underneath that layer of arrogance might just be someone trying to navigate this crazy world, just like the rest of us.